A Sydney-based business that helps Australian brands break through China’s online barriers to expose Aussie brands to the Chinese market has claimed top honours at the 2016 Sydney City Business Awards.
Johnny Wong is the co-founder and director of THINK CHINA and clinched the Young Entrepreneur and Excellence in Export category awards as part of the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards sponsored by the City of Sydney.
The digital marketing agency collaborates with cloud computing and media companies that operate behind China’s online censorship known as the Great Firewall where most western social media platforms are blocked.
This gives the agency the ability to expose Australian brands to more than 600 million online Chinese consumers and enable the export of Aussie goods and services to the Greater China region.
“Winning the awards is a great honour. It not only recognises the contribution of young innovators to the Australian business community, but also highlights cultural diversity within the Australian business landscape,” said Wong.
“After realising Australian brands faced so many technological, cultural and linguistic challenges when trying to communicate with Chinese-speaking consumers, I decided to quit my corporate job at 26 years old and join my business partner to begin THINK CHINA from the living room floor of my inner-city apartment.
“Being opportunistic has fuelled the continual growth of THINK CHINA and myself as a young entrepreneur. I hope this achievement inspires other migrant entrepreneurs in Australia to strive for excellence.”
Launched in 2013, THINK CHINA has become a leader in the China digital space employing over 30 staff across Australia and China serving high profile clients, including Australia Post and L’Oréal.
THINK CHINA helps Australian brands find data-driven solutions to challenges within the China market, including overcoming China’s internet censorship, unfamiliar technologies, language barriers and constantly evolving cultural trends.
Over the past two years, the company has experienced incredible revenue growth – increasing sales by 511 per cent from 2015 and 645 per cent from 2014. The business is also in the process of opening their third global office.
The Young Entrepreneur category recognises inspirational young business people who have built a successful business through their own commitment and passion.
The Excellence in Export category celebrates businesses that are forging a strong reputation for Australian products and services in international markets.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said THINK CHINA was among a talented pool of businesses operating in the Sydney region that took home top honours at the recent business awards.
“These awards represent the diverse mix of businesses in our local government area, which at the last floor space and employment survey delivered 40 percent of all jobs growth in metropolitan Sydney,” the Lord Mayor said.
“As a sponsor of the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards, these awards are about giving local businesses and the people behind them an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas to the rest of the state and, while they’re at it, to learn from other business leaders.
“We look forward to celebrating their talents and capabilities on the state-wide stage this November.”
Nine businesses collected awards in the Sydney City regional awards program, judged and staged by the NSW Business Chamber and sponsored by the City.
THINK CHINA will join an impressive list of Sydney-based businesses competing with businesses from across the state for top honours at the 2016 NSW Business Chamber Business Awards on 25 November.
Full list of 2016 winners:
Excellence in Small Business – Ivory Coat Companion
Excellence in Business – Sitback Solutions
Young Business – Executive Imogen Hayes, DMG Fine Wine
Young Entrepreneur – Johnny Wong, THINK CHINA
Business Leader – Aleisha Claire Davis, The Shepherd Centre
Employer of Choice – Sitback Solutions
Excellence in Business Ethics – Wealth Efficiency
Excellence in Innovation – Mobiddiction
Excellence in Sustainability – The Flagstaff Group
Excellence in Export – THINK CHINA
Local Chamber of Commerce – South Sydney Business Chamber
Regional Business of the Year – Sitback Solutions
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